First Grade

Kelsey Buckley began teaching in 2021 after graduating from the University of Maryland College Park with a degree in Elementary Education and concentration in Math. Her favorite part about teaching is the way a class "family" builds so quickly -- the little moments laughing together, learning together, and growing together. She loves when her students become so comfortable that it becomes so natural to try, sometimes fail, and try again, with no hesitation! Outside of school, Kelsey loves to spend time with family and friends, hike, explore DC and Arlington, read, and cozy up watching Netflix. When she was little, her favorite movie was Matilda, probably because it was the first chapter book she ever read. She was born in New York but moved to Maryland when she was three. Kelsey loves to travel with her two older sisters and parents, and is especially humbled by a recent trip to Italy, where they visited their ancestral geographical region of Cinque Terre. When she's not working or traveling, Kelsey enjoys working as a cycling instructor.

Jill Corrigan began her career in education in 2023 after earning her Master's in Elementary Education. She loves getting to know students and helping them learn and grow academically, socially, and emotionally. When Jill isn't teaching, she loves to be outside with her son, daughter, husband, and two dogs! Her favorite food is sushi and she loves doing jigsaw puzzles.

Nerece Stoltz, who began began teaching in 2014, has degrees from King University (Bachelor's of Science in Neuroscience), Hollins University (Master's in Art in Teaching), and the University of Virginia (Master's in Administration and Supervision). She enjoys seeing her students make progress, understand new concepts, and develop new skills. Outside of the classroom, Nerece enjoys reading, traveling, making pottery, and learning how to play golf.

Heidi Drake began teaching in 2000 after attending school in her home state, Michigan State University (BS), and George Washington University (MA). She enjoys getting to know students' different personalities, interests, and ideas about the world. When she's not teaching, Ms. Drake prefers to relax and take the mornings slowly, usually by listening to music. She loves eating street tacos, reading (favorite book is "Caste" by Isabel Wilkerson), and watching series (favorite shows are "White Lotus" and "Last of Us"). She has 3 kids, 2 pets, and a penchant for participating in challenging hot yoga classes!

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Lizzie Rubio began teaching in 2015 after earning a Master's of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. She enjoys using various resources and strategies to support multilingual learners and linking the learning to students' cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Outside of school, Lizzie frequently can be found baking, especially with her favorite ingredient: chocolate. Lizzie is bilingual in English and Spanish and enjoys folkloric dance.